Rep. Barickman Agrees with COGFA vote in Support of Dwight Correctional Center

Springfield, IL…On Tuesday, members of the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) voting in support of keeping Dwight Correctional Center open. State Representative Jason Barickman (R-Champaign) applauded the committee’s decision and said their opinion was more proof that the Governor’s proposed closure was not well thought out.

“I think that the decision by COGFA to oppose the Governor’s closure proposal for Dwight reaffirms what many of us have been saying all along; closing the prison would be detrimental to the state and the area,” said Rep. Barickman. “Numerous legislators, local officials, economic development groups, unions and public safety officials all agree that if the state were to close Dwight it would simply create more problems and potential costs.”

COGFA issued their advisory opinion to keep Dwight Correctional Center open by a vote of 7 to 3. The commission’s opinion is nonbinding and the Governor is not required to follow COGFA’s decision. However, the COGFA ruling is an important signal to the Governor and legislators who will determine funding levels within the budget for state institutions such as Dwight.

“The community and the entire area did an outstanding job rallying support for the facility and the employees. They deserve a lot of credit for today’s decision,” Barickman said. “However, it is important that we keep this issue at the forefront and continue to make our case for Dwight. The next step is to ensure that the budget includes revenue to keep Dwight Correctional Center open and I am hopeful that COGFA’s decision will encourage legislators to do just that.”